Jurgen Klopp has indicated a crucial part of formulating his Liverpool squad this summer has been built on the desire to swell competition for places to eradicate complacency as well as fatigue.
The German has recruited seven new players ahead of his first full campaign as Reds boss, strengthening defence, midfield and attack.
His options in the advanced positions are particularly interesting, where the depth of quality far exceeds the number of players he’d be able to start on a matchday.
And that is exactly the situation Klopp wants at Liverpool.
The addition of £55 million worth of talent in Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum has greatly elevated the competition in forward areas, with the manager confident that he has added goals and attacking effectiveness to the squad.
“When you remember last season, there were a lot of games when we were really dominant,” Klopp explained.
“When we were good with the ball, passing and moving, overlapping things like this but in the end we didn't finish it off enough.
“You need players for whom it's natural that they go there [into the penalty area]. We have these players.
“In this moment we have four or five strikers. Five, including Roberto [Firmino], for the roles behind. You need the numbers to push everyone.”
Klopp reiterated the signings the club have made is not a result of the Reds lacking in quality, but a strategy to ensure there is always an abundance of it.
“You have to feel secure about the fact you are a Liverpool player,” he said.
“When we have finished our squad, these are our boys, no doubt from my side, I trust everybody. Then they have to push themselves and then push each other with performances.
“Of course you can play a bad pass and stay in the team, of course you can miss a chance and stay in the team, but you have to know that if you do a little bit less there's someone else of my quality who is ready to come in.
“You have to be a team. We need to have this quality. In the end everyone who has the willing to be part of this is so welcome.
“The signings are not because this player isn't good enough or this player isn't good enough. It's about about having more options.
"It's not about having a squad for the Premier League and a squad for the Capital One Cup."
- Goal